BCG treatments- Any tips for easing discomfort?

12 years 10 months ago #37910 by lustron591
Replied by lustron591 on topic BCG treatments- Any tips for easing discomfort?
Just finished BCG no. 15 (6, 3, 6) since diagnosis, 20 months ago, and MAN! the urgency, frequency and pain were bad in this last series, although the bleeding and clot production were less. For the first nine I actually went to work the same day -- impossible now. In fact, nos. 1-5 of this last series were the worst; no. 6 was slightly better: evil side effects lasting 4-5 days (just in time for the next BCG!) For several days I go from feeling normal to don't-think-I-can-make-it-to-the-bathroom in about two seconds -- with no warning at all, even with taking Toviaz. Even a day after BCG, I've barely been able to manage at work. They're going in for another look-see at the end of the month and I'm really DREADING what they're going to advise.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

12 years 10 months ago #37907 by dgarlick
So funny that you answered my questions today, was worried about the side effects and how it will effect my job. Am experiencing difficulties on that front right now. Very emotional and not remembering simple instructions. Any suggestions concerning the emotional factor?

dgarlick

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

12 years 10 months ago #37905 by Alan
Fridays is a good idea. I went with early in the AM and I would basically be OK the next day after the usual side effects that everyone else talked about. On the 7-12 installations (my URO did 6 on, 6 off and 6 on weekly) the second day cumulative effect that was the worse was once I had the urge to pee I had maybe a minute or two to find a restroom. By the 3rd day i was close to normal.

The urgency side effect probably hit everyone so be ready for that. I put it into perspective that this is a lot better than Chemo! I was pretty much back to normal after a week on #12. Fatigue was my biggest complaint after urgency. Everyone's body reacts different!

DX 5/6/2008 TAG3 papillary tumor .5 CM in size. 2 TURBS followed by 6 instillations of BCG weekly with a second round of 6 after a 6 week wait.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

12 years 10 months ago #37901 by dgarlick
Doug,
Thank you for your speedy responses and your advice!!
dgarlick

dgarlick

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

12 years 10 months ago #37900 by DougG
Most of the time, there are more BCG treatments after the initial 6.

Anita
Forum Moderator
Caregiver

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

12 years 10 months ago #37899 by dgarlick
Doug,
Will do that tomorrow, still home recuperating from the TUR...back to work Monday!!
Thank you!

dgarlick

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Moderators: Cynthiaeddieksara.anne